TOSOGU
Gallery
Nukagawa Yasunori
Fuchigashira
These excellent fuchikashira are made by the founder of the Nukagawa school, Nukagawa Yasunori. The school prospered at the end of edo and in early meiji times.
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The work is highly detailed (see shots below) and made of five different metals: shibuichi, shakudo, copper, silver and gold. Please note the outstanding execution of faces, inlays and the motifs chiselled on the fabric, the excellent nanako, as well as the delicate curving and flow of the fabric bands. The topic of lucky gods (here 3 of the 7 Shichi Fukujin depicted) is often found throughout Japanese history and popular on Tosogu.
We find Benzaiten on the Kashira, representing eloquence, elegance and fine arts, traditionally depicted as noble women with a Biwa instrument.
On the Fuchi, Daikoku and Jurojin are depicted, the first carrying sacks of rice shown on the back of the fuchi, representing prosperity and good harvests. Jurojin is accompanied by his deer, said to live a thousand years and thus symbolizing long live. Therefor this set of tosogu could represent a long, prosper and joyful life, enjoying the fine arts and culture, just as some of you guys are doing here, haha.
Benzaiten is depicted graciously with a lively smiling face, excellently carved hair and ears as we expect and find it in high-class mito work. Hands, instruments and robe is highly detailed and in mixed metals.
Look at the face of Daikoku and how excellently it's carved. His hands as well. Overall great execution and lively figures with great work on their dresses.